Thursday, July 24, 2014

Find out which popular dietary supplements doctors recommend.

If you suffer from joint pain due to arthritis, chances are
you've taken either over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers,
namely non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). But the risk of
stomach ulcers and kidney damage are steering people toward other
sources of pain relief, like natural joint supplements.
The trick
is finding supplements that actually take away your pain, not just your
money, says Natalie Azar, MD, a rheumatologist at the Center for
Musculoskeletal Care at NYU Langone Medical Center. There's not a lot of
hard science behind most supplements, but many people say they help.
Here's a breakdown of some popular options.Related: Safe Everyday Meds for Joint PainGlucosamine and Chondroitin
Glucosamine and chondroitin are both precursors to a type of protein
called proteoglycans. This protein is the building block for the
cartilage that cushions your joints, explains Azar. Glucosamine helps
build and repair cartilage, while chondroitin keeps it from breaking
down. Most glucosamine and chondroitin supplements come from animal
sources.
"Supplements claim they can help your body to start
building and repairing cartilage on its own, but studies haven't been
able to show that," she says. Study findings haven't been consistent
about pain relief, either. But results from one of the largest studies
examining supplements for osteoarthritis are encouraging. Nearly 1,600
people with knee pain took daily doses of 1,500 mg of glucosamine, 1,200
mg of chondroitin, or both. The supplements didn't delay cartilage
loss, but they did provide significant pain relief to people with
moderate-to-severe pain.
Azar recommends taking both glucosamine
(1,500 mg) and chondroitin (1,200 mg) daily. She says these supplements
may or may not work, but she also won't argue with the fact that many of
her patients feel better taking them, and the supplements do no harm.Omega-3s
Long touted for their anti-inflammatory properties, omega-3 fatty acids
have been proven to relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, such as
joint pain and swelling. A review of 17 studies reported that using
omega-3s for three to four months reduced joint pain, stiffness and
tenderness in people with rheumatoid arthritis. It also reduced the need
for NSAIDs to relieve pain. Another study found that combining omega-3
with glucosamine is even better. Azar says you can also boost your
omega-3 intake by eating salmon, krill, flaxseed and walnuts.Related: 10 Foods Your Joints LoveMagnesium
A newcomer to the pain relief spotlight is magnesium. "It works as a
pain reliever and muscle relaxant, and can make you a little sleepy,
too," says Azar. She recently began prescribing the mineral to
fibromyalgia and arthritis patients at 300 mg in the evening – less than
the daily recommended intake (400 mg). Another perk is that magnesium
is cheaper than many other supplements.
Whatever supplement you
choose for joint health, Azar suggests trying it for three months. "If
your joints feel better, keep taking it. If not, don't bother." But
before you take anything, discuss it with your doctor.